Where Can I Get Help for Diverticulitis Pain and Symptoms in Phoenix, AZ?

Common warning signs include persistent abdominal pain—often on the lower left side—that may range from mild to severe. This pain is frequently accompanied by fever and chills, which can indicate an active infection. Other symptoms that should prompt a visit to our office include nausea, vomiting, and noticeable changes in bowel habits, such as constipation or, less commonly, diarrhea.

You should also watch for blood in the stool, abdominal tenderness, bloating, or a sense of increased fullness. If these symptoms are severe, persistent, or getting worse—or if you experience difficulty passing gas or stool—it is important to seek immediate medical evaluation. These signs may indicate serious complications, such as an abscess, perforation, or bowel obstruction, which require prompt attention from our surgical team.

At Phoenix Unified Surgeons, we provide comprehensive evaluation and treatment for diverticulitis, including advanced surgical options when necessary, to ensure the best outcomes for our patients.

If you are seeking expert care for diverticulitis pain and digestive flare-ups in Phoenix, AZ, Phoenix Unified Surgeons is here to help. Our experienced team specializes in the diagnosis, surgical management, and ongoing care of diverticulitis and related digestive disorders. We collaborate closely with gastroenterologists and primary care providers to ensure a comprehensive approach to your digestive health.

Our board-certified surgeons offer advanced treatment options for patients with acute diverticulitis, recurrent flare-ups, or complications that may require surgical intervention. We understand that digestive conditions can be painful and disruptive, and we strive to provide prompt evaluation, personalized treatment plans, and compassionate care in both urgent and routine situations.

If you are experiencing severe or sudden abdominal pain, fever, or other concerning symptoms, it’s important to seek immediate medical attention. For non-emergent cases, you can schedule an appointment with our specialists for an in-depth evaluation and discussion of your treatment options.

Mild diverticulitis typically presents as steady pain on the lower left side of the abdomen, possibly accompanied by changes in bowel habits, low-grade fever, or mild nausea. Many patients can manage these mild symptoms at home under close medical supervision. However, certain warning signs suggest that the condition has become severe or led to complications that may require prompt surgical attention.

When to Seek Emergency Care:

• Sudden, worsening abdominal pain, especially if the pain spreads across your abdomen or is accompanied by a rigid, hard abdomen
• High fever, persistent vomiting, or the inability to keep fluids down
• Signs of dehydration, such as dizziness, dry mouth, or decreased urination
• Blood in the stool
• Shortness of breath, confusion, or feeling faint—potential signs of serious infection or internal bleeding
• Inability to pass gas or have a bowel movement, along with increasing abdominal swelling, possible indicators of bowel obstruction or perforation

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is crucial to seek emergency medical care immediately. Complicated diverticulitis may require advanced surgical intervention, and our experienced surgeons are prepared to provide the highest quality care, including minimally invasive and emergency surgical procedures if necessary.

Your Health and Safety Come First

While mild, stable symptoms can often be managed with outpatient care, any sudden worsening of pain, severe abdominal tenderness, high fever, gastrointestinal bleeding, or confusion should prompt you to visit the emergency room right away.

At Phoenix Unified Surgeons, we understand that timely treatment is critical in preventing serious complications from diverticulitis, such as abscesses and perforations. Our team specializes in the early identification and management of diverticulitis, working closely with patients to control inflammation in the colon before it progresses to more advanced stages.

When diverticulitis is diagnosed early, our experienced surgeons can often manage the condition using conservative measures such as antibiotics, tailored dietary recommendations, and bowel rest. These interventions help reduce infection and swelling, limiting the risk that inflamed diverticula will rupture or develop into an abscess—a collection of pus that may require surgical drainage.

If left untreated, diverticulitis can cause ongoing infection and inflammation that weakens the colon wall, significantly increasing the risk of a perforation. A perforation allows intestinal contents to leak into the abdominal cavity, leading to peritonitis, a potentially life-threatening infection. In cases where infection becomes walled off, an abscess may form, sometimes necessitating surgical intervention. Our surgeons are highly skilled in advanced surgical and minimally invasive techniques for managing these complications if they arise.

Early intervention and close monitoring by our dedicated team can often contain the infection, minimize the need for surgery, and prevent serious complications.

At Phoenix Unified Surgeons, patients experiencing pain and symptoms related to diverticulitis receive comprehensive and compassionate care from our experienced team of board-certified surgeons. If you’re facing diverticulitis—characterized by sharp lower‑left abdominal pain, bloating, fever, or changes in bowel habits—Dr. Debora J. Fox‑McClary brings exceptional expertise to your care. As a dual board‑certified surgeon in General Surgery and Colon & Rectal Surgery, she applies cutting‑edge, minimally invasive techniques to treat the full spectrum of diverticular disease.

At Phoenix Unified Surgeons, your evaluation begins with a targeted review of symptoms, imaging as needed, and in‑depth discussion of treatment options—from conservative medical management to advanced surgical intervention. You benefit from Dr. Fox‑McClary’s years of experience and her deep commitment to personalized care. Her approach prioritizes effective relief, shorter recovery time, and improved quality of life. For confident guidance through diverticulitis treatment, trust Dr. Fox‑McClary and the Phoenix Unified Surgeons team. For more information, contact us. Our office is conveniently located at 20333 N 19th Avenue, Ste 230 Phoenix, AZ 85027. We serve patients from Phoenix AZ, Sun City AZ, Peoria AZ, Surprise AZ, Glendale AZ, Scottsdale AZ, and surrounding areas.